Chris Stewart, a Canadian professional ice hockey player, embarked on his NHL journey after being drafted 18th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. Born on October 30, 1987, in Toronto, Ontario, Stewart grew up in a family with a strong hockey background, which included his brother Anthony Stewart, also an NHL player. Chris Stewart's career in the NHL spanned over a decade, during which he played for several teams and became known for his physical style of play and scoring ability.
Stewart made his NHL debut with the Colorado Avalanche during the 2008-2009 season. In his first full season with the Avalanche, he quickly established himself as a power forward, combining size and skill to become an offensive threat. During the 2009-2010 season, Stewart recorded 28 goals and 36 assists, totaling 64 points in 77 games. His performance helped the Avalanche reach the playoffs, where he continued to contribute with three goals and two assists in six games.
In February 2011, Stewart was traded to the St. Louis Blues in a deal that also involved defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk. Stewart continued to be a productive player for the Blues, scoring 15 goals in just 26 games during the remainder of the 2010-2011 season. Over the next few seasons, Stewart's role with the Blues fluctuated, but he remained a valuable asset due to his ability to score and play a physical game.
The 2013-2014 season saw Stewart being traded to the Buffalo Sabres as part of a blockbuster deal. His time with the Sabres was challenging, as the team was in a rebuilding phase. Despite this, Stewart managed to contribute offensively and provided leadership on and off the ice. In March 2015, he was traded to the Minnesota Wild, where he played a key role in their playoff push, scoring 11 points in 20 regular-season games.
Stewart's journey continued as he signed with the Anaheim Ducks for the 2015-2016 season. His tenure with the Ducks was short-lived, and he returned to the Minnesota Wild for the 2016-2017 season. During this period, Stewart's role evolved into that of a veteran presence, providing depth and experience to the teams he played for.
In the 2017-2018 season, Stewart was claimed off waivers by the Calgary Flames, where he played a limited role before becoming a free agent. After a brief stint in the KHL with HC Slovan Bratislava, Stewart returned to the NHL, signing a one-year contract with the Philadelphia Flyers for the 2019-2020 season. His time with the Flyers marked the final chapter of his NHL career, as he announced his retirement from professional hockey in 2020.
Throughout his career, Chris Stewart was known for his physicality, scoring touch, and ability to adapt to different roles on various teams.
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